Young Boys - RB Leipzig predictions and free betting tips [19/09/2023]

On Tuesday, 19th September, within the framework of Round 1 of the Champions League Group Stage, Young Boys will host RB Leipzig on home turf. The Swiss champions, in the qualifiers, conquered Maccabi from Haifa with a solid score of 3:0, whereas the guests earned their spot in the group directly, owing to their third place finish in the Bundesliga.

Predicted Lineups

Youth Boys: Racioppi; Janko, Camara, Benito, Persson; Males, Lauper, Monteiro; Lakomy; Itten, Elia.
RB Leipzig: Blaswich; Henrichs, Simakan, Lukeba, Lenz; Schlager, Kampl; Simons, Forsberg; Openda, Werner.

Stadium

This crucial encounter is set to erupt in Bern at the Wankdorf Stadium.

Young Boys

Being crowned Swiss Champions for the fifth time in the last six years, The Young Boys are back in the group stage of the Champions League after a 2-year hiatus. During the 2021/22 season, the 'Bees' even defeated Manchester United, boasting Cristiano Ronaldo, 2:1, but still failed to make it to playoffs. Navigating through the qualifiers, the Swiss team ousted Maccabi from Haifa (3:0 in aggregate). The black and yellows haven't suffered a domestic defeat since 28th May, having played 17 undefeated matches (including preseason friendlies) and clinched 12 victories in the process. Over the past weekend, the Bernese footballers triumphed over Xamax in the 1/8 finals of the Country Cup – 0:1. Yet, now the hosts are up against Leipzig - an entirely different level of a contender, so Raphael Wicky's wards will have a tough job ahead of them.

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig's best record in this competition so far remains their semi-final exit against PSG in Portugal in 2020. The twice holders of the DFB-Pokal also aspire to join the skirmish for the Bundesliga crown. Despite their endeavours, however, last season they ended up merely watching the conflict between Borussia and Bayern, as the 'Bulls' lagged five points behind the Munich giants. On a positive note, the Red and Whites grabbed the German Super Cup (at the outset of the season, they thrashed Bayern with a 3:0 scoreline), although they then conceded 3:2 to Bayer Leverkusen in the opening round of the Championship. Subsequently, Marco Rose's charges celebrated three victories: they decimated Stuttgart (5:1), Union Berlin (0:3) and Augsburg (3:0) just last weekend. The summer arrivals, Xavi Simons and Lois Openda, have each netted thrice in four opening rounds, with the former providing four additional assists to his teammates.

The German club will travel to Switzerland without the new recruit El Chadaille Bitshiabu, as well as midfielder Haidara (2 goals and 31 matches last year), seasoned centre-back Orban and Spanish winger Dani Olmo - all of them are sidelined due to injuries. The good news, however, is the return of left-back Raum and goalkeeper Gulacsi. Whether the Hungarian goalkeeper will feature on Tuesday remains unknown. This summer, the 'Bulls' administration signed the aforementioned Lois Openda, while Xavi Simons was loaned from PSG. Slovenian midfielder Sesko (16 goals in Austria last season) has managed to strike twice against the opponents since his arrival, though he often comes as a substitute. It is also worth noting some losses: Nkunku (Chelsea, 16 goals last season), Hungarian Szoboszlai (Liverpool) and the key central defender Guardiol (Manchester City) have departed for England.

Face-to-face encounters

These sides have yet to meet each other in history.

Prediction for the match Young Boys – RB Leipzig

Although Leipzig are favourites in this game, the Bulls won't have an easy time: Young Boys has been on an unbeaten streak for 17 consecutive games and are in excellent form. Nevertheless, with the Red and Whites' extensive European experience and formidable attacking lineup, I predict a victory for the Germans on Tuesday night.

Total Prediction

I expect a feast of goals in this encounter, as both teams advocate an attacking style of play and rarely leave the pitch without scoring. My guess is an overall total of more than 2.5 goals.

Corner Prediction

Considering the attacking gameplay of both teams and a multitude of chances on both ends, my estimate is an overall TO of corners more than 8.5.

Yellow Cards Prediction

I don't anticipate a large number of yellow cards here, as the teams aren't known for excessive roughness on the field (total under 4.5).

Score Prediction

I'm banking on a precise score of 1:3 in favour of Leipzig.